CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kevin Mulkern seems dwarfed next to his indoor display at Kahala Mall which features low maintenance foliage such as lau'ae fern, Aztec grass and a variegated ficus, among others, as well as water plants.
‘Nouveau’ tableau Indoors or out? After a few moments gazing, one just may forget. Sauntering past a park bench, moss-slick stones, splashing water fountains and clusters of tropical foliage, this certainly looks outdoors.
The best in outdoor landscaping
Know your plants
heads indoors to Kahala MallStories by Ruby Mata-Viti
ruby@starbulletin.comBut glance down and you'll see a carpet of wool, not grass; then skyward, a ceiling, not the sun -- big clues that this is obviously indoors, perhaps the scene of a surreal nightmare in which one is the terrarium pet of an alien giant.
Spot the comforts of a movie complex, food stations, Longs Drugs, Banana Republic and Macy's beyond the calming gardenscapes, and it's all more likely a dream from which a shopoholic might hate to awake.
"Nouveau: Every thing spring" begins tomorrow at Kahala Mall. The event showcases the work of top landscape companies rounded up by Jim Cook, retired publisher of Hawaii Home & Remodeling, to present some of the best ideas in backyard and garden designs. The displays form a fitting backdrop for spring events being staged at the mall through April 19, such as a Les Fleurs Couture Mannequin Contest, Tres Chic Garden Party, Easter photo sessions, gardening classes and more.
Kevin Mulkern, one of six landscapers preparing for tomorrow's opening, plans to highlight his display with low-maintenance and water plants. His oasis has been taking root between Longs Drugs and Macy's, and he views the setup as an informal opportunity to educate the public.
"We hope they'll ask questions about lawns, hedges and trees, and we'll all respond as best as we can."
A WELL-PLANNED and executed landscape design can increase property values, so the timing is right for such an exhibit in this seller's market. The landscapers can provide valuable information to homeowners looking for ways to pump more equity into their homes.
Bringing outdoor plants indoors posed challenges for a group whose livelihood depends on the nurturing of such foliage. After all, taking plants away from sunlight and fresh air is contrary to the landscapers' aims, but they're making sure the plants stay happy.
"Many of these are, of course, landscaping plants, which means they're happiest in full sun," said Mulkern, who with his wife, Susan, owns Kevin J. Mulkern, A Licensed Landscaper Inc. He plans to rotate his plants in and out every few days, similar to what plant rental companies do with office greenery to give each a healthy dose of sun and fresh air.
The gardenscapes are built on a base of plywood covered with layers of plastic to protect the carpet, said Scott Creel, regional marketing director who oversees Pearlridge, Kahala Mall and Aloha Tower Marketplace properties.
This three-week event is the first of its kind for Kahala Mall.
"'Nouveau,' of course, is French for new, and we wanted to create a spring promotion that was much more than the typical weekend mall event."
In addition to the gardenscapes, he said spectators might be interested in viewing the Les Fleurs Couture Mannequin Contest April 5, during which University of Hawaii fashion design majors will be given a mannequin to dress in faux and fresh flowers, with no other restrictions.
"We can't wait to see what they come up with," Creel said.
Anticipation is high for "Nouveau," said Creel, adding, "If this is a hit, we may do it every year."
Where: Kahala Mall 'Nouveau:
Every thing spring'
When: Tomorrow through April 19 during mall hours
Meet the landscapers:
>> Landscapes by Tropical Images, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays: Rustic spring scene with native Hawaiian plants and moss-covered rocks.
>> Steve's Gardening Service, 3 to 5 p.m. Sundays: Raised patio with ceramic fountain, bench seating, landscape lighting and tropical foliage.
>> Kevin J. Mulkern, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 to 5 p.m. Sundays: Low-maintenance plants that provide color without flowers are the centerpiece of this display.
>> Reliable Landscaping, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays: Creating a river and woods scene with steppingstones, sculpture and waterfall.
>> Big Rock Manufacturing, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays: Rock and floral backdrop for Easter photo sessions.
>> Williams & Associates, 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays: Brick-edged walkway.Also:
>> Les Fleurs Couture Mannequin Contest, April 5
>> Easter photo sessions, April 5 to 19
>> Tres Chic Garden Party and Fashion Show, April 12
>> Floral window displays, April 18 to 19
>> Gardening classes and flower exhibits, throughout April
Classes and demos
>> Hawaii Bonsai Cultural Center: 1:30 to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, April 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19
>> Ohara School of Ikebana: 10 to 11:15 a.m. Sunday
>> "Properly Caring for Your Aquarium Plants": Demo sponsored by the Honolulu Aquarium Society, noon to 12:30 p.m. April 4, with 30 minute question-and-answer session afterward
>> Pictures Plus artists' demo: Four to seven artists will demonstrate painting techniques and show finished pieces 2 to 4 p.m. April 6
>> Dean Okimoto of Nalo Farms: Noon to 1 p.m. April 10 and 17. The topics and dates are not confirmed, but will likely focus on identifying and selecting greens, and on herbs
>> University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service Urban Garden Center: "Air-Layering for Beginners," 7 to 8 p.m. April 11
>> African Violet Society of Hawaii: 2 to 3 p.m. April 13
>> Hawaii Nature Center: Creating terrariums, noon to 1 p.m. April 13
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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
A gardenscape by Reliable Landcaping uses a ceramic pot for a zen inspired fountain feature.
Expert says learning
about plants is key
to good landscapingThat unassuming miniature potted plant you bought on sale recently could turn out to be the kind of tree befitting Tarzan's jungle, and with that in mind, Kevin Mulkern, owner of Kevin J. Mulkern, A Licensed Landscaper Inc., advises: "Rethink before you impulse-buy. Some get really excited when they see plants on sale and buy without knowing what they're getting themselves into."
For instance, plunking the tired living-room ficus into the yard could result in high maintenance costs later if it becomes unmanageable. "It's like having kids and not realizing it's going to cost you $30,000 to put them through college."
The best way to head off costly surprises is to learn about the plant before incorporating it into your plan, he said. Take a routine walk around the block and talk to neighbors about plants they have affinity with; garden enthusiasts are ready sources of information.
Mulkern, who has a display set up at "Nouveau: Everything Spring," opening at Kahala Mall tomorrow, shares his simple, three-point recipe for successful landscaping:
>> Pencil out a plan.He also offers a recipe for environment-friendly pesticide with an ingredient most of us have in the kitchen. "A common practice for people who don't like to use pesticides is to use a little Ivory or Dawn dishwashing soap.">> Eliminate weeds with something such as Round Up, which is a relatively user-friendly product, and amend the soil with Menehune Magic or some other kind of organic material.
>> Provide adequate irrigation.
Just a teaspoon or so in a gallon of water, mixed and placed in an empty plastic spray bottle, will work to ward off mealy bugs and the like, he said.
"It's a tip passed onto me from Mayor Jeremy Harris," who is environmentally conscious, he said.
The mix is perfect for watering bromeliads as well. "It breaks up the tension in the water that puddles in the plant pockets and causes mosquitoes to drown" so they don't have a chance to breed.
Mulkern plans to use water plants in his display: "They add a lot of interest to home gardens, or even just on a (condo) balcony."
Create a simple display using a ceramic bowl with a water lily and add fish, such as guppies, to feed on pesky mosquitoes. He suggests five gallons of water per lily, a good balance for low maintenance. "The plant will survive in one to two gallons, but you'll need to clean the water and bowl out more frequently."
Office manager Allen Griffen also suggested adding oxygenating plants such as jungle valisneria, found at any aquarium supply store, for a more efficient ecosystem: "That way, the plants and fish benefit from each other."
Jackwood lily is a big flower; for those who prefer smaller flowers, pygmy lilies such as Dauben or Colorata will suffice, said Griffen, who also works weekends at Mulkern's Landscaping nursery in Waimanalo.
For more information on water lilies and plants, check their Web site at mulkernlandscaping.net.
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